Looking ahead with the realization that Rivera and Pettitte will be gone, that other key players are well past their primes and that the team will be mired in medical and/or legal issues, it brings a certain amount of trepidation for Bombers fans.

Barring a run to the postseason, Andy Pettitte takes the mound for the final time at home Sunday when the Yankees look to complete a three-game sweep of the Giants. Mo Rivera will be honored before the game.

“I’ve reached the point where I know that I’ve left everything I have out there on that field,” Pettitte said in a statement. “The time is right. I’ve exhausted myself, mentally and physically, and that’s exactly how I want to leave this game.”

Andy Pettitte, the most decorated, pinstriped pitcher since Whitey Ford, is inching toward the twilight, one gutty cutter at a time. His humble, aw-shucks refrain is so charming and understated that we don’t even acknowledge him.

Andy Pettitte is frustrated, Joe Girardi is worried and the Yankees need to snap their losing streak in the worst way. The Bombers might not be in must-win territory just yet, but they sure are getting there in a hurry.